Established in the year 1989, the Guruvayoor Devaswom’s Institute of Mural Painting is situated in the East Wada of Guruvayoor Temple. Its history dates back to the year 1970 when a fire mishap in the Guruvayur Temple Complex damaged Sreekovil and the paintings on the three walls. While decorating the walls as a part of the renovation, the authorities observed a lack of qualified artists who could do the required kind of paintings.

The Guruvayurappan temple is strategically situated in Guruvayoor, one of the most holy and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is considered as the Dwaraka of the South. It is believed that the temple is created by Guru, the preceptor of the Gods and Vayu, God of the winds.